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This daring escape of Venezuelan opposition figure María Corina Machado entailed a lengthy, frightening and soaking sea crossing in the dead of night, according to the American man who claims to have commanded the operation.

A Perilous Nocturnal Crossing

The rescue organizer, who leads a rescue nonprofit, detailed the operation in a newly published media appearance. It was perilous. It was scary,” stated Stern, an ex-special forces operative, describing dark and choppy conditions that simultaneously offered convenient cover for the flight.

“The ocean was perfect for our purposes, but not water you'd choose to sail on ... the higher the waves, the harder it is for radar to see,” Stern said.

He described rendezvousing with Machado offshore after she departed from Venezuela, where she had been in hiding since August 2024 due to fear of targeting by the administration of President Nicolás Maduro.

The Step-by-Step Escape Plan

Machado embarked on his boat for a half-day trip to an undisclosed location to board a flight, in a mission planned just four days earlier. “This was in the middle of the night – very little moon, some cloud coverage, very hard to see, vessels running dark. Everyone was quite damp. My team and I were soaked to the gills. She was also chilled and wet. She had a very arduous journey,” Stern added.

Describing her condition, he commented, She was elated. She was thrilled. She was very tired,” adding that about twenty-four people were actively participating within his organization.

Verification and Concealment

Spokespeople for Machado verified that Stern’s foundation was behind the operation, which began on Tuesday. This account follows previous reporting that Machado used a wig and costume to flee her hideout in a suburb of the Venezuelan capital, Caracas.

The veteran declined to share details about the land operation, citing his organization's ongoing operations in the country.

Financing and American Role

He told media the endeavor was financed by “several benefactors” – with no US government figures involved. “The US government did not contribute a single penny, at least not that I know of,” Stern asserted.

He clarified, though, that his group did “unofficially collaborate” with the US military regarding locations and strategy, primarily to prevent being targeted by airstrikes.

Next Steps and Inspiration

Machado said she had American backing to depart Venezuela. She has announced plans to return home, though the specifics remain uncertain the method or timing.

Stern indicated his group would not be involved in a return mission, as it focuses exclusively on extracting individuals from countries, not bringing them back. “That’s for her to determine for herself. Personally, I advise against returning. But she wants to. She is a genuine inspiration,” he concluded.